HORSE racing nut Graeme Johnston (@GraemeJ_83) returns with his best bets for Saturday's card.
13:45 Newbury | Channel 4
This 7 furlong Group 3 looks quite open on paper and at the time of writing this there are 14 possible runners so we should be getting plenty of value on offer.
The one I like here was very unlucky last time out and I think he will get his head back in front today. Rodaini won his first four starts progressing with each run and was in the process of running another good race when stumbling and losing all momentum at a vital part of the race.
He has a very willing attitude and I still think there is more to come from him. Despite the large field I don't think he has any rivals to fear and unless one of the maiden winners turn out to be well above average then Rodaini will take all the beating here. I plan to back him to win this and get our Saturday off to a flyer.
14:20 Newbury | Channel 4
A mile and a half Group 3 and once again at the time of writing this has attracted a surprisingly large field of 16. Sifting through the runners it doesn't look like a particularly strong race with a lot of horses looking out of their depth here.
The one who stands out to me here is the Sir Michael Stoute trained Kinds Fete. He's had a really good season so far winning twice from his five outings and he has progressed with every visit to the racecourse. Last time out he was third in a much better race than this and he looks primed to win here.
He finished just ahead of Westen Hymn last time out and I expect him to confirm that form here. Last years winner Koora has to be respected and Sumbal is likely to improve on his second start for David Simcock but I plan to back Kings Fete to win this and I think he could be a horse to follow next season.
15:50 Doncaster | Channel 4
The Racing Post Trophy is the final Group 1 of the UK flat season and this looks a a fairly poor renewal in my opinion. There are a few potentially high class horses lining up however to me this is a poor turn out and I'm not particularly excited about this race.
Yucatan was heavily backed all week for this and replaced stablemate Capri in the betting as favourite even before Capri was pulled out so he's clearly Ballydoyles number 1 hope. He is beautifully bred and has shown real promise so far and deserves his place at the head of the market.
Aidan O'Brien is convinced he has improved since his last start and looking at the form I'm not sure he even has to have to win this. Rivet won the Champagne Stakes but I'm not convinced he's a real Group 1 horse and the rest of the field hardly scream potential Classic winners to me. I think Yucatan will win this and probably win well, but I'm not convinced he's going to be one of the stars of next season.
Best Bets
13:45 Newbury – Rodaini to win (5/1 Skybet)
14:20 Newbury – Kinds Fete to win (13/2 Bet365)
15:50 Doncaster – Yucatan to win (6/5 Stan James)
